TSA PreCheck Make Flying So Easy: See How Much it Costs and How You Can Apply

We've all found ourselves on long airport security lines, and while we inwardly groan and outwardly sigh, you see other travelers breezing through the TSA PreCheck lane … what's that all about?! If you're curious about this voluntary, expedited security screening service offered to travelers and are wondering whether or not you should apply, here's everything you need to know about TSA PreCheck.

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What is TSA PreCheck?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the government agency created in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, is responsible for the security measures in this country in regards to commercial passengers and luggage. With the various airport security measures currently in place, such as removing your shoes and belts, laptop, clear bag of liquids (3.4 ounces or less), and passing through the body scanner, the process can take quite a bit of time. In order to quicken the lines, TSA PreCheck was introduced in 2011 so that low-risk, approved travelers can receive expedited screening (according to the TSA's website, in the month of May 2017, 97% of PreCheck passengers waited five minutes or less in security lines).

What Are the Benefits of TSA PreCheck?

Once you apply and are approved, you'll be able to use the TSA express lanes in the airport. Travelers in this lane won't have to remove light jackets, shoes or belts, or their small bag of liquids (though they still must be in 3.4-ounce bottles). Additionally, you can leave your laptop in your carry-on bag, all of which makes for less time spent at passing through security (and more time in the duty-free shops or the bar!).

How Do I Apply for TSA PreCheck and What is the Cost?

If you're a (law-abiding) U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), you can apply for PreCheck. Click here to apply. It costs $85 (a non-refundable fee to be paid before you find out whether or not you're approved) and is valid for five years, after which time you'll have to reapply. After filling out personal information (name, birthdate, address, whether or not you have a criminal record, etc.), you will make an appointment at an enrollment center for an in-person interview where you'll show ID, receive a background check, and get fingerprinted. There are hundreds of enrollment centers around the country, located in airports and government buildings. If you're approved, you'll receive a "Known Traveler Number," also known as a KTN.

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Which Airlines Participate in PreCheck?

Currently there are 37 airlines participating in the PreCheck program, including domestic carriers such as Delta, JetBlue, American, Southwest, and United, as well as numerous foreign carriers, including Aeromexico, Air Canada, and Lufthansa. For a full list of participating airlines, click here. PreCheck is accepted at more than 180 airports around the country — click here to check if your preferred airport offers PreCheck.

How Does it Work?

While you're booking your flight, you will list your Known Traveler Number (you can also add your KTN to frequent flier profiles). When you receive your boarding pass, you will see "TSA PreCheck" or a similar indicator on the pass, which will let you know you're eligible to use the expedited lane. Keep in mind, you cannot arrive at the airport and then try to give your KTN to the security staff and expect to get in the PreCheck line — you must have the indictor on your boarding pass already. Also, travelers are vetted for TSA PreCheck every time they fly, so it's not guaranteed that every pass will have the indicator. Children ages 12 and younger can use the PreCheck lane with a parent — if they're older, they must use the standard security lanes or apply on their own.

What About Global Entry ... What's the Difference Between the Two?

In the simplest terms, TSA PreCheck is about going and Global Entry is about coming back. Global Entry can expedite your re-entry into the country after a foreign trip. If you travel abroad frequently, it definitely makes sense to apply for this program. The cost is $100 for five years, which is only $15 more than PreCheck, and a nice perk is that you're automatically enrolled in PreCheck (but it doesn't work the other way around). The application for Global Entry, however, is much more detailed. If you're thinking of applying or would like more information, click here.

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